SHAMOKIN - A contractor responsible for a Shamokin home renovation project valued around $28,000 is facing charges after police said he failed to complete the job and took concrete blocks that had been paid for by the owner of the building.
Brian J. Russell Sr., 46, of 29 W. Mahanoy St., Mahanoy City, was charged Friday by Shamokin Patrolman Ryamond Siko II with misdemeanor counts of home improvement fraud, theft by deception, theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property.
Siko said Russell had been hired by Todd Heath, of Third Street, Shamokin, to perform work on Heath's home. As part of the work, Russell kept a trailer near Heath's home. When Russell removed the trailer, he took 71 12-inch concrete blocks valued at $4.50 each, for a total of $319.50, police allege.
Russell also failed to complete work for which he had been paid at Heath's home. The uncompleted portions of the project include installing vinyl siding, channel, soffit and facia and backfilling the lot, the complaint says.
Heath initially filed a complaint regarding the removed concrete blocks in February, but the case was placed on hold due to a possible civil issue.
No associated construction company was listed in the criminal complaint.